Military Land Lease Renewal in Hawaiʻi
The U.S. Army’s current leases for training lands on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island expire in 2029.
On Hawaiʻi Island, at Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA), the Army has proposed retaining 19,700 acres of state-owned land.
On Oʻahu, the Army has proposed retaining 450 acres of state-owned land at Kahuku Training Area (KTA).
The Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) rejected the Army’s Final Environmental Impact Statements (FEIS) for both Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island earlier this year. In response, the Army issued its Record of Decision (ROD) for PTA in late-July, and its ROD for Oʻahu training lands in early August. Governor Josh Green, M.D., and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, are working with the Army to ensure all legal requirements are met while considering next steps to achieve the best possible outcome for the people of Hawaiʻi.
The concept of a land exchange has been raised as one possible way forward, but to date, no specific parcels have yet been identified. Partnerships to promote infrastructure improvements, renewable energy opportunities and to build housing units are other potential outcomes. Governor Green also believes an agreement could include the return of Mākua Valley along with the cleanup of this and other military lands.
Our federal leaders have placed a top priority on securing these lands to ensure military readiness in this era of global turbulence. The Green administration has a duty to try to secure the most favorable outcome possible for Hawai‘i’s residents. That’s why this administration believes the best path forward is through collaboration with the upmost transparency and respect for our people and their values. By negotiating transparently and firmly with the military, we can ensure national security while putting Hawai‘i’s people first.